Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Glanville Fritillary
Scientific Name:
Melitaea cinxia
Also Known As:
Plantain fritillary
Wingspan (mm):
Male 38-46mm, female 44-52mm Description
The Glanville fritillary was named after Elanor Glanville, an 18th century amateur naturalist. It is patterned on the upperside of the hind-wings with black dots in orange spots. The underside of the wings have beige and orange bands. The spiny black caterpillars can be seen sunbathing in their silk webs on the leaves of Ribwort plantain.
Distribution
Southern half of the Isle of Wight and also on the Channel Islands. The status of the butterfly appears to have changed little in recent decades, though there has been some loss of habitat due to coastal protection measures. However, there are only a handful of core breeding areas and it remains a vulnerable species.
Habitat
Two habitat types are used: coastal grasslands either on undercliffs where there is soil slippage, deeply incised coastal river valleys with eroding sides, or cliff tops; and south facing chalk downland. The former tends to support the larger, more permanent colonies whereas the latter supports shorter-lived, although sometimes large colonies. There are eighteenth century records from woodland clearings in eastern England.
Diet
The main foodplant is Ribwort Plantain. Buck's-horn Plantain is used occasionally as a secondary foodplant by final instar larvae.
Status
UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species Butterfly Conservation Priority: High European threat status: not threatened Protected in Great Britain for sale only
Did You Know?
In Britain this species has been found only in a few locations on the Isle of Wight.
Male Image
